Keeanu Benton may be the best defensive player the Pittsburgh Steelers have selected in recent memory. The team has a history of choosing talented and skilled defensive players in the draft. In a defensive room full of elite players like T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward, it is simple to get lost, but Benton stands out at 6-4 and 309 pounds.
Steelers players and coaches are enthusiastic about Benton’s future potential as he gets ready for his second NFL season. In order to strengthen their defensive line, Pittsburgh selected the strong nose tackle in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft after he excelled at the University of Wisconsin. His Steelers and former Wisconsin teammate Nate Herbig stated that he thought Benton “was the best player in the 2023 draft,” and was “unblockable.”
Reggie Roberts, Senior Editor of Overtime Heroic, recently spoke with Benton over the offseason to talk about a variety of on-and off-field subjects. Benton talked candidly about his goals for the upcoming football season and securing his spot in the defensive line.
OH: “A lot of guys make goals for the upcoming season throughout the offseason. Which aspects of your game do you hope to strengthen this year?
Benton, who is 22 years old, still has a lot of time to improve, but he is eager to contribute more the following season. He played in all 17 games during the regular season in 2023, however he only made nine starts. 36 tackles, one sack, and eight quarterback hits were all recorded by him.
The Steelers are known for their tenacious and strong defense. They appear to have discovered a rising star in Keeanu Benton, who might end up staying in the starting lineup for many years to come.
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